OUR BATTLE WITH BOOZE
Is Saskatchewan actually changing in terms of its hard-drinking culture? There are signs the answer is yes, but there are still clear signs the answer is no. On Wednesday, SGI reported a significant drop in the number of impaired driving fatal accidents in 2019 compared to the average over the past 10 years. A total of 21 people died last year for this reason, compared to the average of 54 between 2009 and 2018. Injuries due to impaired driving are reported at 332 compared to the last decade’s average of 595.
This is encouraging. Saskatchewan has long had the unenviable distinction of having among the worst drunk driving records in the country.
This progress was made through efforts on a variety of fronts: increased enforcement, harsher penalties, campaigns by the hospitality industry and an increased availability of ride sharing options. Quite appropriately, the bravery shown by family members of impaired driving victims is also cited as making an impact on the thinking of Saskatchewan residents.
Fewer deaths due to drinking and driving is worth celebrating. Other statistics released this week by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, however, show Saskatchewan should not be too quick to feel triumphant.
A report showed that 10 of the province’s 13 former health jurisdictions had rates of hospitalization caused wholly by alcohol that were above the national average in the 2018-19 fiscal year. (Those statistics only include hospitalizations for conditions like alcohol poisoning, not emergency room visits or hospitalizations related to drunk driving, among other associated harm. A CIHI official said there are about seven emergency department visits for each one that results in a hospital stay.)
A dip in impaired driving deaths is reason for hope, but the hospitalization rate related to alcohol shows we can’t be complacent. The families of those 21 people who were lost will still feel the same pain as when the total number was higher.
Alcoholism is a disease that needs treatment and a way to address the root problems that cause people to drink. The isolation and stress brought on by the COVID-19 crisis can add to the problem. If you or someone you know needs help with misuse of alcohol, visit healthysask.ca, check the green pages of your phone book for local services, visit Healthline Online at healthlineonline.ca or contact the Healthline at 811 and ask to speak to an addictions or mental health counsellor.